Family Education Tradition Philanthropy
Mayor ’ s Message
This May 1 , a new Mayor and three new Aldermen will be seated in office as members of our City Council . On November 1 , Ray Buschmann stepped in to fill the vacancy left by Mike Adelman , who retired prior to completing the last few months of his term as Fourth Ward Alderman . Cathy Waldeck ( First Ward Alderman ) and George Pandaleon ( Second Ward Alderman ) have completed their terms after serving their maximum six years . My term as your Mayor is also coming to a close after serving over four years . I am very pleased to say that the candidates running for these City Council positions all bring special talents and expertise to local government . I strongly encourage you to vote in the Consolidated Election on Tuesday , April 4th .
When I took office in the spring of 2013 following the unexpired term of Mayor Jim Cowhey , I stated that it was my intention to continue Jim ’ s initiatives , including those outlined in the Strategic Plan : enhancing community engagement in civic issues ; promoting the four cornerstones of our community : Family , Education , Tradition & Philanthropy ; and developing a Sustainability Plan for Lake Forest .
• Since 2013 , the City has hosted over a dozen Community Engagement Forums on various topics which include : the City ’ s building permit process ; native plantings ; neighbor disputes ; water filtration system ; vitality of the central business district ; future of refuse and recycling ; housing diversity ; sustainable energy use ; management of the emerald ash borer and master plans for Lake Forest parks . We truly appreciate your participation , and the City will continue to host these informal meetings from time to time to get input from all of you in the community on important topics .
• Alderman Prue Beidler ( First Ward ) is chairing an ad hoc Marketing Team to help promote our beautiful City and its four cornerstones . The campaign is set to launch in late spring with the theme of the campaign being “ Welcome Home .” The campaign will focus on increasing awareness of our City in various demographic markets , emphasizing the wonderful character of Lake Forest and all of the benefits of our highly desirable community . It will highlight the extraordinary choices for living , dining , shopping and excellent schools and to also strengthen the great sense of pride by our residents .
• The Sustainability Plan was created after holding two community forums with residents and targeted forums with students from Lake Forest High School and Lake Forest College . Hundreds of people worked on this document under the leadership of the Lake Forest Collaborative for Environmental Leadership , and it will be incorporated into the City ’ s Comprehensive Plan .
The Strategic Plan identified key issues that we shall continue to address . The City initiated a Saturday Open Air Market at the east side train station , which will be moving to Market Square beginning this summer . The Founder ’ s Council was established with the City ’ s founding partner , Lake Forest College , to help facilitate and coordinate a constructive and synergistic environment and improve opportunities to enhance students ’ and residents ’ lives . The City ’ s website was redesigned and Lake Forest Go ( LFGo ), a self-guided tour app , was also developed .
Through public-private partnerships , and your generosity , Forest Park was rehabilitated , enhanced and preserved . Gorton Community Center was renovated and revitalized . Ragdale underwent a major renovation . The Deer Path Inn was reconstructed and reinvented . Market Square was restored and improved . The East Side Train Station is in the final stages of its restoration . The Lake Forest-Lake Bluff Historical Society moved to its new location on Deerpath . The Civic Beautification Committee has been working closely with residents and businesses close to North Western Avenue , which will be undergoing improvements this summer as streetscape improvements are made . Alternative housing options are underway on McKinley Road as well as at Laurel and Western Avenues . Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital is on target to open this fall / winter , and will provide a worldclass health care facility right here in our community . Renovations continue in Market Square , and the north courtyard , scheduled to open this summer , will offer a different variety of shopping and dining options as well as new community gathering places .
In the fall , we will host the third BMW Championship at Conway Farms Golf Club . Prior to the first tournament in 2013 , the City had never undertaken a special event of this magnitude , and I am extremely proud of the City ’ s successful participation and partnership with the WGA , PGA and BMW .
The City has maintained its aaa bond rating through difficult times due to prudent financial forecasting and prudent fiscal spending , and property taxes remain one of the lowest in Lake County and on the North Shore .
The City Council is participating in its next Strategic Planning session this February , outlining initiatives for the next five years . Like many City Councils before this one , these community leaders will discuss topics identified in the Resident Survey and how to best plan for future generations of Lake Foresters .
Since 2013 , I have had the pleasure of serving you , meeting and getting to know many of you better , and becoming further acquainted with the hundreds of people that help make this community so unique . I am truly honored to have served as your Mayor . My sincere thanks go to each Alderman for his / her insight , professionalism , compassion , and ability to work collectively and with such great passion . Much of what has been accomplished would not have been possible without their vision and intellect in deciding what is best for Lake Forest . These dedicated volunteers are the backbone of this very special community .
And I also want to thank the incredible City of Lake Forest staff . This community is truly blessed to have such a dedicated group of professionals who serve our residents each and every day .
Our community has a proud history , and a bright and exciting future . Thanks to each of you for being an important part of what lies ahead .
Thank you , Donald P . Schoenheider
PAGE 2